Wontongsa Temple (Seoul)

Wontongsa Temple is a direct-control temple of Jogyesa, the head temple of the 1st diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Dobongsan Mountain in Dobong-gu, Seoul. Since ancient times, Wontongsa has been known as a prime site for ascetic practice, situated in the best auspicious location on Dobongsan Mountain, flanked by Suraksan Mountain and Samgaksan Mountain to the left and right, overlooking the Han River. Renowned monks such as Great Master Muhak in the early Joseon period, and modern Seon masters like Mangong, Dongsan, and Chunsong attained great enlightenment while staying here, and it is also famous as a place for Avalokitesvara prayer for many people. Additionally, it was a place where Joseon officials like Jo Hyeon-myeong and Seo Myeong-gyun, who served as Yeonguijeong (Chief State Councilor) during King Yeongjo's reign, discussed state affairs and cultivated their minds and bodies, making it a renowned site among Confucian scholars of the time. Currently, the temple grounds include a cave where Joseon's founder, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, is said to have prayed. Below the Yaksajeon Hall (Medicine Buddha Hall), on a large rock, is carved the inscription 'Sanggongam' (相公岩), named after a dream Taejo had on the day he finished his prayers, in which he became a celestial minister (Jeongseung) and paid homage to the Jade Emperor. Meanwhile, a rock called Uiam (Cow Rock) behind the temple is said to resemble Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva praying to the Buddha, and was originally called 'Gwaneumbong' (Avalokitesvara Peak). Observing the surrounding natural terrain closely, rocks shaped like various animals—tigers, elephants, cranes, and others—appear to bow their heads toward this rock. Perhaps for this reason, people believe this place to be a naturally formed sacred site of Avalokitesvara.